According to a recent press release, on June 1, Hy-Vee Inc. awarded $50,000 to local minority- and women-owned businesses during the Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit at Monona Terrace Convention Center.
The event was the fourth summit Hy-Vee has hosted in support of these business owners with access to funding and business-development resources. The summits are part of Hy-Vee’s ongoing effort to diversify its supplier base and product offerings, as well as support minority communities.
During the pitch competition component of the event, 13 companies from Wisconsin and surrounding states presented to a panel of judges and more than 200 event attendees for the chance to win a small-business grant from Hy-Vee. Local community business experts served as judges and selected the finalists from a pool of more than 90 applications.
Madison’s Yips Snacks was awarded a first-place prize of $5,000 in the Food and Beverage category. The city’s Luscious Beauty business venture was named one of two Judge’s Choice Winners and was presented with a smaller cash prize. Madison-based Nerdbugs also participated in the pitch competition.Â
